The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has stated that the impacts of El Niño, a climatic event linked to major changes in worldwide weather patterns, were most intense in the Maldives last month, with the phenomenon anticipated to reach its peak in December of this year.

As per the most recent El Niño update from the Met Office, the phenomenon intensified in September, with the Niño 3.4 index increasing to 2.1°C. Analyses suggest that this value indicates a notably intense El Niño event. At the same time, certain areas of the eastern equatorial Pacific are experiencing unusually high sea surface temperatures, surpassing 4.0°C above the norm.

Referencing models from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Met Office indicated that this event might be among the most powerful El Niño occurrences documented. These occurrences often lead to higher than normal global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and a greater likelihood of droughts and flooding in different areas.

The Met Office reported that weather in the Maldives has been warmer than normal from January until the end of last month. Sea surface temperatures have increased consistently since June, peaking at their highest values last month. Throughout numerous areas of the nation, sea surface temperatures have surpassed the norm by over 1.0°C. The agency further observed that the “feels-like” temperature has been notably elevated in multiple regions this week.

Additionally, peak temperatures noted at numerous weather stations throughout the Maldives stayed higher than the typical range. Rainfall trends in the initial nine months of the year differed greatly, with certain areas getting more precipitation than usual while other regions faced considerable deficits.

The national weather agency cautioned that increased sea temperatures in the Maldives caused by El Niño endanger coral reef ecosystems and might disturb ocean currents, which could impact the fisheries sector. Decreased rainfall in specific regions might also negatively impact agriculture.

The Met Office urged the public to stay vigilant regarding weather conditions in the upcoming months. In light of the intensifying El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific, the Maldives Meteorological Service and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) persist in advising the public and pertinent authorities to adopt proactive readiness strategies to reduce possible impacts and handle disaster risks.